Portland to offer marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m.

Friday

Dec 7, 2012 at 9:30 AM

Portland to offer licenses at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 29 when gay marriage law goes into effect

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Portland City Hall is not only going to open on the Saturday that Maine's same-sex marriage law goes into effect, it's going to open at 12:01 a.m. for those eager to get married as soon as legally possible.

City spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said the decision was made Thursday following a discussion about logistics and feedback from staff. Ian Grady, communications director for EqualityMaine, said people who have been waiting years "literally don't want to wait another second."

Augusta is another city that's keeping Saturday hours, but it will open later on the morning of Dec. 29.